First annual signature parks survey released

City Parks Alliance and HR&A surveyed 58 dedicated park stewardship organizations across North America to understand their role in park management and the opportunities they create for signature city parks. Among the findings were that these organizations augment public investment with substantial private funding to improve public spaces. The typical organization sponsors 60 programs each year and provides park maintenance, volunteer recruitment, and other key functions. These parks are resourceful in securing funding, spending an average of $160,000 per acre managed, but real estate value capture remains a substantial, often untapped opportunity to support signature city parks.